Back Row From left - Councillor Kevin Lamarr Jr., Councillor Ryan Carle, Chief Greg Sarazin, Councillor Merv Sarazin. Bottom Row from Left - Councillor Dale Benoit, Councillor Taylor Ozawanimke, Councillor Angelina Commanda.
The Algonquins of Pikawakanagan held a swearing in ceremony Wednesday for their new Council and returning Chief Greg Sarazin.
The ceremony took place at the Makwa Community Centre with dozens of citizens and dignitaries in attendance as each of the Councilors recited their oaths of office in traditional First Nation fashion. The panel was drummed in to the room kicking off a moving ceremony complete with traditional dancers where eagle feathers were presented to each Councilor. Elder Aimee Bailey who was on hand to officiate explains the feather’s significance:
Six Councilors as well as Chief Sarazin will begin their three year terms in office and in his speech, Sarazin commented that the road ahead will be challenging but he knows that with teamwork and dedication, progress will continue to come to the community:
Sarazin once again defeated former chief Wendy Jocko in a rematch of the 2023 election with 268 votes compared to 201 for Jocko. Leah Lavalley placed third with 135 votes, while Jennifer Meness finished fourth with 76. During last Saturday’s election day, a total of 683 ballots were cast. Sarazin intends to build on progress made over the past three years and continue advancing community priorities.
Sarazin and all of the Councilors say that they are ready to tackle the challenges ahead and are certain that with community support, they can lay the groundwork for future prosperity.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
